In Our Towns

WOODSTOCK -- A 16-year-old boy from Massachusetts died Thursday afternoon after an all-terrain vehicle he was riding went off the road and into several small trees, state police said.

FOR THE RECORD - CORRECTION PUBLISHED SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2007.Glastonbury's application for $225,646 in federal education funding to improve emergency response plans has not been approved. A news brief on Page B2 Friday incorrectly reported that the grant had been awarded to the local school system.

Justin T. Ramshur of Harwichport, Mass., was riding west on Quarry Road when he lost control of the all-terrain vehicle. His mother, Barbara Ramshur, was riding behind him on another all-terrain vehicle, and called family members, who called 911 about 5 p.m., state police said.

State troopers and family members initiated CPR, and the Woodstock Fire Department took the boy to Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam. Ramshur died at the hospital.

Teen Charged In Break-In

THOMPSON -- A teenager was caught and charged after a four-hour search that followed the break-in at a building Wednesday at the Bull Hill Recreation Area, state police said.

The teenager, who was not identified because he is 16, was charged Wednesday night with third-degree burglary, second-degree criminal trespass, second-degree criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, third-degree larceny by possession, operating an unregistered vehicle and operating a vehicle without a license or insurance, police said.

The incident began at 6 p.m. when police responded to a report of a burglary at an outbuilding where Thompson youth soccer leagues store equipment and concession items.

State troopers, including Resident State Trooper John Aiello, who was off duty, went to the scene and searched for the burglar in a heavily wooded area.

They found an all-terrain vehicle the teenager had used about 2 miles from the park and determined the ATV, valued at $5,000, had been stolen from a residence in Thompson two weeks before, police said.

The search continued for hours until Aiello spotted the teen walking on Red Bridge Road and arrested him, police said. He was held overnight with bail set at $10,000 and was scheduled to appear in Superior Court in Danielson Thursday. Details about his court appearance were not available because of his age.

Sexual Assault Alleged

WINDHAM -- A local man has been charged with sexually assaulting a minor, state police said.

Julio Perez-Valdespino, 28, of 31 Plains Road, was charged with second-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor. Police released no further details about the alleged crime.

A warrant had been issued for Perez-Valdespino's arrest, and he was caught while trying to obtain a driver's license at the state Motor Vehicles Department in Norwich, police said.

Perez-Valdespino was released on $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Superior Court in Danielson today.

Man Held After Drug Raid

VERNON -- A Rockville man was being held with bail set at $150,000 Thursday, a day after Vernon police detectives and the Statewide Narcotics Task Force raided his apartment after a two-month investigation.

Daoud S. Walker, 22, of 54 Prospect St., Apt. 3A, was charged with operating a drug factory, possession of drug paraphernalia near a school, three counts of possession of narcotics and three counts of possession of narcotics near a school.

Walker's public defender, Charles Green, told Swords that Walker has a ``major problem with crack cocaine and heroin,'' is remorseful and wants to get his life back together.

Bad Checks Passed, Police Say

VERNON -- A Hartford man with an extensive criminal record -- including a conviction for first-degree manslaughter -- faces forgery, larceny and conspiracy charges for allegedly passing bad checks in Vernon, police and court officials said.

Tyrone Sailor, 41, of 111 Sherbrooke St., Apt. 43, was being held with bail set at $100,000 after his arraignment Thursday in Superior Court in Rockville. Vernon police arrested him Wednesday.

School System Awarded Grant

GLASTONBURY -- The school system has been awarded a $225,646 grant to help improve its emergency response management plans.

The town was one of 91 school districts in 32 states to receive an award under the Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools grant program. In total, more than $27 million was awarded to school districts across the country. It was the only district in Connecticut to receive a grant, officials said.

U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings said the grants will help school districts strengthen their emergency management plans and better coordinate with their communities to ensure the safety of the schools and students.

The program enables school districts to develop written plans that are coordinated with state Homeland Security plans, prepare for a possible infectious disease outbreak and train school personnel.